Ep 16. Kota Longboards

In season 3, episode 16 of The Profit, Marcus Lemonis travels to Denver, Colorado to meet with the owners of Kota Longboards, a family-run longboard manufacturing company. Kota Longboards is owned and operated by Mike Maloney and his sons, Dave and Pat, who are passionate about their craft but have struggled to turn their business into a profitable venture.

Upon arrival, Lemonis is impressed with the quality of Kota Longboards' products, but quickly identifies some issues that have been holding the company back. The first major problem is a lack of organization and efficiency in the manufacturing process. The Maloney family has been doing things their own way for years, but Lemonis sees room for improvement and brings in a consultant to help streamline the process.

The second major issue is a branding problem. While Kota Longboards makes top-quality products, they have struggled to differentiate themselves from other longboard companies and build brand recognition. Lemonis enlists the help of a marketing expert and challenges the Maloney family to come up with a unique angle for their brand that will resonate with consumers.

Throughout the episode, Lemonis works closely with the Maloney family to address these issues and help them take their business to the next level. He invests his own money into the company and offers the family a deal that will give them a stake in the business and a share of the profits.

In addition to addressing the manufacturing and branding issues, Lemonis also helps the Maloney family with some personal challenges. Mike Maloney has been struggling with health issues, and his sons are worried about the future of the business without their father at the helm. Lemonis encourages the family to communicate openly and work together to ensure the success of Kota Longboards for years to come.

The episode culminates in a dramatic reveal as Lemonis brings in a group of longboard enthusiasts to test out Kota Longboards' new products and branding. The response is overwhelmingly positive, and Lemonis and the Maloney family are thrilled with the progress they have made.

Overall, season 3, episode 16 of The Profit offers an inspiring look at a family business that has struggled to find its footing, but with the help of Lemonis and his team, is on its way to a bright future.